Shopify 1MBB

Topic summary

A user from South Africa inquires about accessing Shopify’s 1MBB (1 Million Black Businesses) offer, which requires enrollment in either the Shopify or Operation Hope plan.

Eligibility Concerns:

  • The 1MBB program is primarily available to US-based businesses through HOPE-partnered regions
  • South African merchants likely do not qualify under current program restrictions

Suggested Alternatives:

  • Contact Shopify support directly to confirm regional eligibility and potential exceptions
  • Consider Shopify’s standard free trial (90 days mentioned as available alternative)
  • Explore local entrepreneur programs, community grants, or startup accelerators in South Africa
  • Monitor Shopify announcements for potential expansion to additional regions

Status: The discussion remains open with no definitive solution for accessing 1MBB from South Africa, though workarounds and alternative programs have been suggested.

Summarized with AI on October 23. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.

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